Landscaping rocks enhance your outdoor space with texture, structure, and natural beauty, and at rockscapes.net, we’re dedicated to helping you choose the perfect stones for your project. Understanding the costs associated with landscaping rocks, including material selection and installation, is crucial for planning your budget effectively and achieving stunning landscape designs. Explore various rock types, pricing factors, and expert tips to transform your yard into a rock-solid oasis and discover beautiful rock gardens, stone pathways, and decorative gravel that elevates your landscape.
1. Landscape Rock and Stone Cost: An Overview
What does landscaping with rocks really cost? The cost of landscaping rocks can vary significantly, generally ranging from $50 to $125 per ton or $45 to $130 per cubic yard. However, numerous factors influence these prices, making it essential to understand the breakdown to budget effectively for your landscaping project. From small decorative pebbles to large boulders, the type of rock, its size, and transportation costs all play a role in the final price.
Consider the following cost ranges for different types of rocks:
| Rock Type | Price per Ton | Price per Cubic Yard | Price per Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boulders | $100–$600 | N/A | N/A |
| Bull Rock | $75–$100 | $65–$125 | $5–$30 |
| Crushed Granite | $65–$185 | $35–$65 | $6–$15 |
| Crushed Limestone | $20–$30 | $30–$45 | $3–$19 |
| Decomposed Granite | $35–$60 | $35–$65 | $25–$35 |
| Lava Rock | $115–$220 | $75–$165 | $5–$22 |
| Pea Gravel | $20–$50 | $20–$70 | $4–$6 |
| River Rock | $80–$150 | $40–$80 | $5–$17 |
| Mexican Beach Pebbles | $500–$950 | $500–$1500 | $20–$40 |
At rockscapes.net, we offer a wide selection of high-quality rocks to fit every style and budget.
Assortment of landscaping rocks showcasing various colors and sizes
2. River Rock Price by Ton: Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness
How much does river rock cost per ton and why is it a popular choice? River rock, known for its smooth, rounded edges and natural appearance, is a versatile landscaping material ideal for walkways, garden borders, and water features. Generally sold by the ton, river rock prices range from $80 to $150 per ton, depending on the size, color, and availability in your region.
Purchasing river rock in bulk (by the ton) is more economical for large projects, while smaller quantities are available in bags at local home goods stores for smaller needs. River rock’s affordability and aesthetic appeal make it a favorite among homeowners and landscapers alike.
Close up of river rocks with various shades of grey and brown
3. Lava Rock Cost: Benefits and Considerations
What are the benefits of using lava rock and what is the cost? Lava rock offers unique textures and a uniform look for landscapes, ideal for borders, fire pits, and flowerbeds. Its porous nature helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provides an interesting contrast to smoother stones like river rock or pea gravel. However, it is susceptible to moss and mold growth, which can affect nearby plants.
The cost of lava rock typically ranges from $115 to $220 per ton or $75 to $165 per cubic yard, with smaller bags available for $5 to $22. Despite the potential for moss growth, its aesthetic and functional benefits make it a popular choice for many landscaping projects.
4. Bull Rock Cost: Creating Inviting Landscapes
What is bull rock and what does it cost to use it in landscaping? Bull rock, resembling large gravel with smooth, round stones in neutral colors like beige, white, gray, and buff, creates inviting landscapes without the expense of plants or mulch. It’s often used as a border for flowerbeds or filler around fire pits, providing a relaxing atmosphere for social gatherings.
Bull rock costs between $75 and $100 per ton and $65 to $125 per cubic yard. Smaller bags can be found for $5 to $30, making it an accessible option for filling gaps in your backyard landscape.
5. Crushed Granite Cost: Budget-Friendly and Durable
What makes crushed granite a cost-effective option for landscaping? Crushed granite is a budget-friendly, durable option for non-organic mulch and paving material for paths and garden walkways. Its ability to prevent water pooling makes it ideal for areas prone to moisture. Available in various colors, it can be combined to create unique aesthetics around patios.
Crushed granite is easy to spread with shovels and rakes, perfect for DIY enthusiasts. However, it can erode, get muddy, and sink into the ground, requiring periodic replacement. On average, crushed granite costs $65 to $185 per ton or $35 to $65 per cubic yard.
6. Pea Gravel Cost: Versatile and Affordable
What are the uses and costs associated with pea gravel? Pea gravel, small, rounded river rock fragments, is versatile for filling walkways, play areas, flowerbeds, and fire pit areas. Found in nearly any nursery, pea gravel is sold in bulk by the ton or cubic yard.
Expect to pay $20 to $50 per ton or $20 to $70 per cubic yard, though prices may be higher for colored rock. Its affordability and versatility make it a popular choice for various landscaping applications.
Close-up of pea gravel featuring various shades of grey
7. Crushed Limestone Cost: Benefits for Gardeners
What are the benefits of using crushed limestone in gardens and what is the cost? Crushed limestone, with its distinctive white or pale color, is a popular choice for backyard gardeners due to its aesthetic appeal and nutrient-rich properties. Its high alkalinity helps reduce soil acidity, creating a better pH balance for certain plants.
While durable, crushed limestone can sink into soft ground. Using landscape fabric underneath can prevent this. Limestone costs about $20 to $30 per ton or $30 to $45 per cubic yard, making it an economical and beneficial option for gardeners.
8. Boulders Cost: Creating Focal Points
What is the cost of using boulders in landscape design and how can they be used effectively? Landscape boulders offer a dramatic focal point in landscape design, serving as fire pit seats, retaining walls, steps, or rock clusters. Surrounding them with pea gravel or groundcover plants like creeping Jenny enhances their visual impact.
Boulder costs range from $100 to $600 per ton, depending on size and type. Many dealers sell directly to homeowners, with prices based on quality and quantity. Delivery costs should be considered, and professional moving may incur extra charges.
9. Decomposed Granite Cost: Pathways and Transitions
What is decomposed granite and what are its landscaping applications? Decomposed granite, a quick, easy, and affordable material, is ideal for building gentle pathways in landscapes. Composed of weathered igneous rocks like mica, quartz, and feldspar, it comes in various colors, including red, black, gray, and green.
Due to its versatile nature, decomposed granite is often used as a transition material, broadening walkways or softening spaces between rock paths and flowerbeds. It generally costs $30 to $60 per ton or cubic yard.
10. Mexican Beach Pebbles Cost: Elegant and Long-Lasting
What are the unique features of Mexican beach pebbles and what is their cost? Mexican beach pebbles, worn smooth by ocean waves, lend an elegant, sophisticated look to gardens and lawns. Versatile and safe, they can fill dry stream beds, accent water features, create mosaics, or form rock gardens.
Practically impervious to weather, Mexican beach pebbles can last a lifetime. However, their cost reflects their value, ranging from $500 to $1,000 per ton or $500 to $1,500 per cubic yard.
A collection of smooth, dark Mexican beach pebbles
11. Riprap Rock Cost: Erosion Control and Structural Support
What is riprap and what are its applications and costs? Riprap, an interlocking system of rocky material, minimizes erosion and provides structural support. Rocks range from 2 to 24 inches with a blocky structure, fitting together to create a stable barrier.
Often used for industrial-sized projects, riprap can also serve as ground cover to prevent erosion, as the base for retaining walls, or around ponds and lakes. The cost depends on rock size, type, and delivery. A one-ton pallet typically costs $30 to $150 per ton or $25 to $75 per cubic yard.
| Type of Riprap | Cost per Cubic Yard |
|---|---|
| Grouted | $45–$60 |
| Ungrouted | $25–$75 |
12. River Rock Prices by Type: Factors Influencing Cost
What factors affect the price of different types of river rock? River rock includes sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks found in rivers, varying in color, shape, and size, but sharing a smooth texture from moving water. It is used for mosaics, walking paths, landscape edging, or mulch around plants and fire pits.
River rock can cost as low as $85 per ton or as high as $850 per ton ($45–$130 per cubic yard). The price difference often reflects whether stones are polished or unpolished and their color.
| Type of River Rock | Cost per Ton* |
|---|---|
| Appalachian River Stone (2”–5”) | $180 |
| New England River Stone (2”–5”) | $210 |
| Tan River Rock (1”–3”) | $160 |
*Based on top North Carolina river rock suppliers’ average prices. Costs may vary due to location.
13. Landscaping Stone Prices: Adding Color and Variety
How can landscaping stones add aesthetic appeal and what are the associated costs? Landscaping stones add color and variety to yards, serving as a hardscape form of mulch, preventing runoff, and retaining moisture. Available in a mix of colors and textures, they can be mixed and matched for creative designs.
The cost of landscaping stone depends on the type, ranging from $20 per ton for crushed limestone or pea gravel to $950 per ton for polished Mexican beach pebbles.
14. Landscape Rock Installation Cost: Factors to Consider
What are the factors influencing landscape rock installation costs? Landscape rock installation costs depend on time, labor, and delivery pricing, varying by location. Delivery can be expensive in rural areas, while labor is more costly in densely populated areas.
Typically, installing landscaping stone costs $250–$2,500. The average cost per hour is $50–$100, plus $200–$400 for delivery. These costs may increase with heavy lifting or specialized equipment. DIY installation can save money, but may require tool purchases or rentals.
15. Landscape Rock Removal Cost: Planning for Changes
What are the costs associated with removing landscape rocks? If reconfiguring your landscape, building a new deck, or installing a pool, you might need to move rocks. DIY removal involves dumping rocks into a dumpster, costing about $200 for hauling. Alternatively, advertise free rocks for removal.
Hiring a company to remove rocks costs $275–$500 for a small load, $500–$900 for a medium load, or about $1,200 for a large load, including $60 per hour per landscaper, plus trailer costs.
16. How to Calculate Landscape Rock Needs: Cubic Yards and Tons
How do you accurately calculate the amount of rock needed for your project? Accurate estimation saves money and time. Calculating landscape rock needs involves simple math.
Calculating Rock Needs in Cubic Yards
- Determine the area needing rocks.
- Multiply length by width to get square feet.
- Multiply square footage by depth (usually 3–4 inches) to get cubic feet needed.
- Divide by 27 and multiply by the rock cost per cubic yard.
Calculating Rock Needs in Tons
- Determine the square footage to cover.
- Aim for a depth of 3–8 inches.
- Small gravel: 1 ton covers 100–140 square feet.
- Larger stones: 1 ton covers 60–80 square feet.
- Consult your supplier for specific project needs.
17. How to Landscape with Rocks: Creative Ideas
What are some creative ways to incorporate rocks into landscaping? Rocks have been used for centuries in landscaping, creating artful displays and providing drainage or erosion control. Here are eight ways to use rocks:
- Create a stone walkway: Use large rocks for steps and fill in around them with pea gravel.
- Replace mulch with stone: Porous rocks, like lava stone, make excellent mulch.
- Build a fire pit: Use lava rocks, granite, or slate to build a rustic fire pit.
- Create a fountain: Use smooth stones like Mexican beach pebbles for a water feature.
- Accentuate with boulders: Use boulders as focal points, accented with low-growing plants.
- Construct a retaining wall: Mix river rock of different colors to add depth.
- Accentuate with gravel: Use small gravel to accent entryways, fire pits, or seating areas.
- Build a border: Set off your patio with a rock border.
Rock borders surrounding a well-maintained garden
Stepping Stones
Use landscape stones to create stepping-stone paths, adding a decorative element to your yard.
Crushed Stone Driveways and Patios
Crushed stone driveways require less maintenance than asphalt or gravel driveways. River stones make excellent, inexpensive patio floors in natural settings.
Mulching
Landscape rocks and river stones protect lawns, preventing weed growth, retaining moisture, reducing erosion, and discouraging pests, lasting longer than organic mulch but requiring regular cleaning.
18. Professional vs. DIY Landscape Rock Installation: Making the Right Choice
Should you hire a professional or DIY your landscape rock installation? While DIY landscaping saves money, projects can go awry. Simple tasks like pruning and mulching are manageable, but building retaining walls or ponds is best left to professionals.
Professional Landscape Rock Installation
Hire a pro when you lack expertise, safety is a concern, or water and electric lines are involved.
DIY Landscape Rock Installation
DIY is suitable for installing rock as a weed barrier, flowerbed, or mulch. Use fabric or sand as a barrier, level the surface, wear gloves, lift with your legs, and use steel-toed boots.
19. How to Save on Landscape Rock Installation: Practical Tips
How can you save money on landscape rock installation? Here are some ways to save money:
- Shop around: Compare prices at industrial supply companies and big-box stores.
- Buy wholesale: Contact local quarries or suppliers for bulk rates.
- Use crushed limestone or pea gravel: These are cheaper than bull rock or Mexican beach pebbles.
- Pay only for what you need: Calculate your needs accurately to avoid overbuying.
- Buy in bulk if needed: Ask about free delivery on large orders.
20. Rockscapes.net: Your Partner in Landscaping Excellence
Ready to transform your outdoor space with the timeless beauty of rocks? At rockscapes.net, we offer an extensive selection of high-quality landscaping rocks, from versatile river rock to elegant Mexican beach pebbles, ensuring you find the perfect materials for your project.
Visit our website today for:
- Inspiration: Browse our gallery of stunning landscape designs and discover creative ways to incorporate rocks into your yard.
- Information: Access detailed guides on different rock types, installation techniques, and maintenance tips to ensure your project’s success.
- Expert Advice: Contact our team of experienced landscape professionals for personalized recommendations and support.
With rockscapes.net, creating the landscape of your dreams is easier and more affordable than ever. Start exploring today and unlock the natural beauty of your outdoor space!
You can visit us at:
Address: 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281, United States
Phone: +1 (480) 965-9011
Website: rockscapes.net
21. FAQs About Landscape Rock Cost
What is the cheapest rock to use for landscaping?
Pea gravel is the cheapest landscaping rock available for various projects, including driveways.
How much does a ton of rock cover?
Coverage depends on rock size and volume. Generally, when spread 3″ deep:
- Crushed rock: 65–75 square feet
- Landscape rock (0.75″–1.5″): 75–85 square feet
- Landscape rock (1.5″–3″): 45–60 square feet
- Lava rock: 200–210 square feet
How much is a scoop of landscape rock?
One scoop of material less than 1 inch in size covers 75 square feet at 2 inches deep. Expect about 10 square feet less coverage with 1.5-inch materials.
How do you estimate landscaping rocks?
Measure the area, multiply by desired coverage in feet, and divide by 27 to get the answer in cubic yards.
How much does a cubic yard of rock cost?
Landscaping rocks average $45–$130 per cubic yard.
What is the cost of landscaping rock?
Landscaping rocks cost $50–$125 per ton on average.
What is the best type of rock for landscaping?
The best type depends on the project:
- River rock for flowerbeds or water features
- Decomposed gravel for a soft, weathered feel
- Pea gravel for driveways or stepping stones
- Crushed granite to transition between walkways and garden plants
- Lava rock for landscaping accents
What is the best way to landscape with rocks?
Outline the area, dig a shallow bed, cover with fabric or sand, and fill with rocks.
